TSA reverses decision allowing knives back on airplanes

TSA reverses decision allowing knives back on airplanes

Transportation Security Administration Administrator John Pistole testifies during a hearing before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee November 9, 2011 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Pistole recently reversed a decision to allow people to carry knives on airplanes once again.

US transport security authorities are abandoning a plan to allow passengers to carry small knives and some kinds of athletic equipment on airplanes.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said in March that it would allow passengers to carry knives and sports items like golf clubs on planes, but the plan was met with fury by the industry and Congress.

TSA chief John Pistole originally said the body would be revising its list of prohibited items to allow inspectors to focus on the most dangerous threats. Airline safety experts also said that the items were now no match for reinforced cockpit doors.

The backlash against the suggestions was swift. The airline industry, lawmakers and pundits weighed in after the announcement was made, reminding the TSA that terrorists used box cutters to pull of 9/11.

In May, 145 members of the US House signed a petition urging Pistole to reverse the decision.

It seems the pressure was too much.

The public also seems relieved. This tweet says it all:

Apparently there's debate over knives on planes. Why do you need a knife on a plane. You aren't up there for weeks. You aren't Bear Grylls.